Sunday, June 29, 2008

This month was filled with last minute, end-of-the-event drama and, quite simply, great games. Take a look at these, in no particular order -- other than the fact that Tiger's tournament takes out anyone else's performance in the psychological picture...

Tiger Woods

"Putt" it this way -- many mortals with a torn ACL don’t (or can’t) even walk. Woods waddled through a grueling four days of golf, and then took the US Open to extra innings with a Monday playoff where he survived after a lost lead. Oh – he also scampered to what he calls his greatest victory of all time with a double stress fracture in his tibia. The post-tournament surgery marked the end of his golf season. The win cemented his immortal status in sports history and downright ridiculous mental toughness. When he was told before the Open that he needed medical attention to his leg, he replied that he was going to play and he was going to win.

Boston Celtics

The C’s that played in Game 6 of the NBA Finals were the picture of perfection. They dominated with defense, offensive firepower, teamwork, energy, and focus. A thrill to watch and good for the game – defense (and offense) wins championships… and thank you to Randy Hill for his analysis. Finally, a writer who can actually breakdown a basketball game efficiently and with illuminating illustrations.

Fresno State

I don’t normally pay much attention to college baseball, but the Bulldogs deserve more attention than Shaq’s distasteful freestyle rhymes about Kobe and O'Neal's behind. Fresno St. won the CWS as the lowest seeded team in history to qualify. If they were playing in the NCAA basketball tournament, they would have been seeded 89th – so, not at all.

Rafa Nadal

Like his own blog, not much else to say at this point. He won the French and is well on his way to advancing in Wimbledon -- as long as his matches don't interfere with the Euro Cup times.

Ana Ivanovic

Good for her for dealing with the pressure of being No. 1 in the world (at least for two rounds). She shook off a horrible second go-of-it in Wimbledon and found a way to win despite her inconsistencies. Too bad she couldn’t maintain any momentum or good fortune in the next round.

Spain-Italy

I couldn’t take my eyes away from this one, partly because the soccer field looks magnificent in HD, but mostly because the match was incredible and ended in PK’s.

Germany-Turkey

The encore of the aforementioned shootout culminated with a score in the last minute to clinch the triumph.

Chicago Bulls

It wasn’t a game on the court, but in the war room and in the weeks leading up to the draft. It became more evident the Bulls would take the homegrown Rose as the day drew nearer. With his drive to be great, team-oriented mindset, his ties to the Windy City, and his exceptional explosiveness and athletic ability for a point guard, the Bulls win, the Bulls win, the Bulls win!

What is This?

It's Psi, the 23rd letter in the Greek alphabet and a common symbol for psychology. Further, it's the first letter of the Greek word "psyche" which means spirit or soul. Fittingly, it's also the grooves on a basketball.